By
DOMINIC GEIGER with AAP

POLL: Call to make cycle buffer compulsory

A shocking year for cyclist fatalities has prompted the NSW Greens to call on the state government to introduce a new law requiring motorists to maintain a gap of at least one metre between themselves and bicycle riders.

The push comes after two cyclists were hurt in hit-and-run crashes on Sunday, including 58-year-old Brendan Braid who was struck while riding on the Old Princes Highway near Helensburgh.

Adding to the push for better laws and infrastructure was the revelation the number of cyclists who died on NSW roads doubled in 2013, with 14 lives lost compared with seven in 2012.

The state government recommends motorists be a metre away when passing cyclists, but no law exists requiring them to.

Wollongong Greens councillor George Takacs, who is also a cyclist, said much could be done in Illawarra to improve cyclists' safety.

He supported more cyclist safety signs, and said Lawrence Hargrave Drive, a popular route for bicycle riders, could be widened in parts.

"I go up Lawrence Hargrave Drive and once you get from Thirroul north it can be quite hairy at times," Cr Takacs said.

"There is actually scope to widen that road a bit ... there are a lot of places where the [Roads and Maritime Services] could make it wider with minimal effort."

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said work was already under way to improve safety for cyclists throughout the state, including projects with advocacy group the Amy Gillett Foundation.

Amy Gillett was an Australian competitive cyclist hit and killed by a motorist while cycling in Germany in 2005.

The spokeswoman said last year, the Centre for Road Safety committed $400,000 to promote bicycle safety between the cycling community and motorists, through the Amy Gillett Foundation's "Stop On Red" and "A Metre Matters" campaigns.